There are many cosmetic products on the market that claim to transform one in unbelievable ways. For example, some claim their use could make one look ten or more years younger. Product manufacturers claim that using their product as directed could be more beneficial to their users than other brands of the same product on the market. Most of these products do not hold up to their claim, and even if they did, the results are only temporary.
The Bible talks about an authentic transformation that is necessary in each individual’s life. It does not cost individuals anything to obtain (though it cost Christ His life), the result speaks for itself, and lasts forever. This transformation is guaranteed through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Why do we need this transformation? This transformation is necessary to restore our relationship with God; the relationship that was interrupted by sin. Before you even think you have no sin, listen to what the Bible says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives” (1 John 1:8-10 NIV).
When we confess our sins to God through Christ, He cleanses us, just as the above Scripture says and
gives us a new nature created to be like Him in true righteousness and holiness (see Ephesians 4:24). He explains the effect of the cleansing and forgiveness by saying, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV). He further explains our transformation this way, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth” (Ephesians 5:8-9 NIV).
In order for the transformation to be evident and ongoing, we have a responsibility; to live as children of light by allowing Christ to live through us, by obeying His word. Our transformation has to be evident in our attitude towards God and our fellow man. The Scripture says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5), and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18 NIV).
God’s command in all of this is, “You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy” (Leviticus 20:26 NIV); “Put off your old self, . . . and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV). We have to make a conscious effort,
each single day to maintain God’s required standard of holiness. A ‘New You’ in Christ will last for a lifetime and beyond; come to Jesus now!
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